Mathare United players during their match against APS Bomet/ HANDOUTMathare United head coach John Kamau is backing his side to return to winning ways when they face high-flying Kakamega Homeboyz in a SportPesa League match this weekend at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
The Slum Boys head into the tie eager to shake off the frustration of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with APS Bomet, a result that left Kamau lamenting a late lapse in concentration but also encouraged by his team’s resilience.
Midfielder Elli Asieche had put Mathare ahead in the 56th minute, but the visitors were pegged back in stoppage time through Hansel Ochieng’s penalty, forcing them to settle for a share of the spoils.
Despite the heartbreak, Kamau believes the display showed signs of progress and insists his side is on the right path.
“I congratulate the boys for their performance, especially playing under such tough conditions. The character and energy they showed give me confidence going into the next game,” Kamau said.
“Yes, we were disappointed not to take all three points, but we are learning, and the response in training this week has been positive.”
Mathare sit 13th on the log with eight points from eight matches, having recorded two wins, two draws and four defeats. Their victories have come through hard-fought 1–0 wins over KCB and Murang’a Seal.
Kamau admits that finishing and focus in the dying minutes are areas they have worked hard to improve ahead of the Homeboyz clash.
“We’ve been creating chances, which is encouraging. Now it’s about converting them and managing the game better when we are in front. We have to be ruthless,” he said.
Their weekend opponents, Homeboyz, come into the match sitting second with 15 points, just one behind leaders Gor Mahia. The Western Kenya outfit has been in strong form, though they too are seeking a win after consecutive 1–1 draws against Tusker and Murang’a Seal.
Kamau, however, remains unfazed by Homeboyz’s position or pedigree.
“Every team in this league is beatable. What matters is our mentality. We respect Homeboyz, but we are at home, and we need to make Kasarani a difficult place for any team,” he stated.
Mathare will also be looking to avenge last season’s setback, when Homeboyz edged them 1–0 after a barren draw in the first leg.
With renewed belief and a determination to steady their campaign, Kamau is confident the Slum Boys can deliver a statement performance this weekend.
“We know what’s at stake. The boys are motivated, and I believe this is the perfect game for us to get back to winning ways,” he concluded.
